ANN ARBOR– Forward John Vella’s bid to play in the D2 League ended in failure Tuesday night after scoring 4 goals, including the game winner late in the third period as Ashley’s Oberon defeated Mott 5-4 in the team’s first game of the season.
“He tried not to score on several occasions,” noted GM Mark Woods. “But, when the opposing goalie passes it to you ten feet out of the net, what choice do you have?”
Down 0-2 early in the game, Vella took a break out pass from defenseman Mark Woods for the team’s first score. Minutes later, he repeated the process, taking a pass from forward Andrew Thompson, who finished with four assists.
With each goal, Vella became increasingly upset, slamming the final goal in with tears in his eyes, as the last chance to move into the coveted D2 League faded away.
Director Abe Colwell announced that Dave Winn, who finished with a goal and an assist, would now be on the watch list for removal from his interim status in the D2 League. “If he so much as dekes a player or lifts the puck off the ice, he’s finished!” growled Colwell.
Peter Girz, Al Juback, and goaltender Luke Hattie each received assists in the win.